A time to fly and a time to die : suicide tourism and assisted dying in Australia considered

In the United Kingdom, a series of high-profile court cases have led the Director of Public Prosecutions to publish a policy clarifying the exercise of its discretion in assisted suicide. Importantly, the experience in the United Kingdom serves as a timely reminder that Australia too should formulate its own guidelines that detail how prosecutorial discretion will be exercised in cases of assisted suicide. This is especially significant given the fact that many Australian citizens are traveling to jurisdictions where assistance in dying is legal. However, any policy should not distract from addressing law reform on voluntary euthanasia. Australian legislators should consult with the public in order to represent the opinion of the majority. Nevertheless, any future policy and law reform implemented should provide adequate safeguards and be guided by the principle of individual autonomy.